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Description
In the II. elementary school in Varaždin, the infrastructure for conducting STEM education is largely insufficient, defective or nonexistent. Teachers do not have the necessary skills to teach using modern technology such as AI, AR or 3D printing, nor to use modern teaching methods such as gamification and e‐learning. Students and especially students with special learning needs are deprived of learning about these technologies and methods. The school will undergo a digital transformation through the STEAM concept that adds the Arts to STEM education by equipping 4 classrooms including existing astronomic observatory, comprehensive teacher education, curriculum development and activities for students.
Summary of project results
This project was created with the aim of improving the infrastructure for implementing STEM education in the 2nd Elementary School Varaždin. Until the beginning of the project, the infrastructure was insufficient, defective or non-existent. Teachers did not have sufficient knowledge and skills to conduct classes using modern technology such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality or 3D printing, or modern teaching methods such as gamification and e-learning. The school''s students were deprived of getting to know these technologies and methods, especially students with special learning needs. Through the project, the school underwent a digital transformation through the STEAM concept by equipping four classrooms (a classroom for computer game development/multifunctional space, a classroom for robotics, a classroom for modeling and 3D printing and an observatory), comprehensive teacher training, curriculum development and activities for students (workshops, winter schools).
6 workshops were held for teaching staff with an emphasis on STEAM, e-learning, the application of modern ICT in teaching and modern teaching methods. 28 teachers participated in the workshops. A two-day training course "Training of Trainers" was held, in which 4 teachers from the school participated.
The SANDBOX augmented reality system was purchased and installed. Training was held on how to use the system. Artificial Intelligence Laboratory team from Norway partner developed 9 gamified cognitive agents: 1. Micko, 2. Zamrljan, 3. Iva, 4. Dr. Slavica, 5. Jura, 6. Milka Man/Mister Brundo/Nadot, 7. Axl, 8. James Pero 008 and 9. Sara.
9 workshops with cognitive agents were held for students : R1 – agent Micko, N. Lončar; R2 – agent Zamrljan,; R3 – agent Iva,; R4 – agent dr. Slavica,; R5 – agent Jura, R6 – agents Milka Man/Mister Brundo/Nadot,; R7 – agent Axl,; R8 – agent James Pero 008,; R9 – agent Sara.
Teachers created curricula for extracurricular activities (3D modeling and printing, Astronomy, Computer game design, Robotics). 6 winter schools for students were held: Computer Game Design, Robotics, Data Security and Protection, Computer Animation, Astronomy and 3D Modeling and Printing. Classrooms were furnished and equipped with newly purchased STEAM equipment. The NOMON system (meteorite observation system) was purchased.
The initial and final project conferences were held, a project website was created with all relevant information. Social network too. Project promotional materials were created and printed with appropriate visibility standards. School representatives participated in 2 conferences - CECIIS and CUC. Public information events were organized and the results of students from the winter schools were promoted.
The responsibilities of all those involved in the project were defined. Regular communication and meetings were held with partners and the project manager. Classroom equipment was purchased according to the procurement plan.
Project results:
1. Improved STEM skills of students - A total of 208 students participated in STEAM activities - through workshops with gamified cognitive agents and winter schools. 9 workshops with cognitive agents were held for 177 students in which teachers participated. 6 winter schools were held for 63 potentially gifted students who acquired skills related to computer game development, robotics, 3D printing, astronomy, computer animation, and data security and protection. Four extracurricular activities (computer game design, robotics, astronomy, and 3D modeling and printing) were piloted.
2. Upgraded infrastructure and equipment for the purpose of developing functional STEM classrooms - 1. Classroom for developing computer games - a multifunctional space that has been completely renovated - floors, walls, ventilation and electrical installations have been renovated, furniture and multimedia equipment have been purchased - computers, projector, projection screen, interactive screen, sound system, SANDBOX augmented reality equipment; 2. Robotics classroom - an old IT classroom has been transformed into a modern robotics classroom and equipped with computer equipment, an interactive screen and LEGO sets for robotics; 3. Classroom/workshop for 3D printing and additive manufacturing - a new classroom has been built and equipped with new computers, 3D printers, a CNC machine for school students; 4. Observatory - the existing observatory has been completely renovated. Construction work was carried out, which included the dismantling of the old dome and the construction of a steel structure on which a new movable dome and telescope were mounted. The observatory was upgraded with the NOMON meteorite observation system.
3. Improved STEM skills of teachers and other educational staff in primary schools - 28 teachers and other educational staff participated at educational workshops where they acquired knowledge and skills related to modern teaching methods, the STEAM concept, the use of e-learning systems and other modern ICT tools, instructional design, digital transformation, gamification and artificial intelligence in teaching. 6 education sessions and one training of trainers were held. 6 teachers independently developed and implemented 6 STEAM activities for students through the winter schools.
Summary of bilateral results
When negotiating bilateral cooperation, a Partnership Agreement was concluded with the Norway partner NT Gruppen AS. The main results of bilateral cooperation include: Two workshops were held under the leadership of lecturers from NT Gruppen AS:1. "Instructional Design" – a three-day workshop held at the premises of 2nd Elementary School Varaždin under the leadership of lecturers Lydia Didi Zaric and Snježana Šlabek. A total of 20 teachers/teachers participated;2. "Gemification" – a two-day workshop held under the leadership of lecturers Lydia Didi Zaric and Snježana Šlabek. A total of 13 teachers/teachers participated.In addition to the workshops, a two-day "Training of Trainers" training was also held under the leadership of the same lecturers. Four teachers from the school participated in the training. After completing the training, participants can independently provide training to other teachers for the purpose of training or introducing new employees.The SANDBOX augmented reality system was purchased and installed, which enables learning through sandbox play and studying a large number of natural phenomena, geographical reliefs or historical events. NT Gruppen AS held an online training session for working with the system. The system is located in the geography classroom. Teachers who attended the training are able to transfer knowledge to other educational staff and students at the school.Experts from the Norwegian partner installed and adapted the NOMON meteorite observation system, which connected our school''s camera to the national meteorite imaging network (NT Gruppen AS cooperates in the network of Norwegian schools that use the NOMON system, in which observation data is exchanged).Mentoring geography teachers regarding the SANDBOX and NOMON systems - getting to know the programs used, how to maintain and possibly upgrade the system. After the project is completed, there is a need for maintenance and consulting regarding the aforementioned systems, and cooperation will certainly continue in the upcoming period.Since NT Gruppen has good cooperation with various school institutions in Norway on various educational and technological projects, there is a possibility that the 2nd Elementary School Varaždin joins in some of the future projects.